MYRModel Year Report

1998 Mercedes Benz SL Class

○ Not enough data
1998 Mercedes Benz SL Class
RENDERED 2026-09-17T04:43:52.129Z

Only 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercedes Benz SL Class Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1998 highlighted. 1996: 2 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1998: 12 complaints 1998 1999: 0 complaints 2002: 1 complaints 2002 2003: 9 complaints 2004: 3 complaints 2004 2005: 2 complaints 2006: 0 complaints 2006 2009: 0 complaints 2009
1998: 12 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19962
19972
199812
19990
20021
20039
20043
20052
20060
20090

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 12 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

EQUIPMENT

4 of 12 total reports mention: equipment, most commonly citing radio/tape deck/cd etc. and electrical.

SERVICE BRAKES

4 of 12 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

VISIBILITY

2 of 12 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing windshield and defroster/defogger/hvac system.

SUSPENSION

2 of 12 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing front.

Show complaint excerpts

PURCHASED 1998 MERCEDES BENZ SL 600 FROM MBZ SAN FRANCISCO DEALERSHIP ON 4/22/09. IMMEDIATELY REPORTED EXCESSIVE AND DANGEROUS BOUNCING OF FRONT END. REPORTED DEFECT DEALER TOOK NO ACTION.

NHTSA ODI report, 20090529

VACUUM FAILED RESULTING IN LEAKAGE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON.

NHTSA ODI report, 19981127

Also filed under POWER TRAIN and SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

2 of 12 total reports mention: fuel system, other, most commonly citing filling/charging.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1998 Mercedes Benz SL Class — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for equipment issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (2 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1998 Mercedes Benz SL Class reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Mercedes Benz SL Class?

The most-reported component is equipment, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 Mercedes Benz SL Class have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.